For the aviation sector to reach its objective of zero net-carbon emissions by 2050, SAF is an essential component

During a panel discussion at the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) conference, Trine Braathen, senior manager, sustainability — carbon markets, World Kinect Energy, suggested that a financial system similar to that of renewable energy certificates for the electricity market could be an answer.

Instead of taking delivery of the fuel itself, all you need to do to reap the benefits of the SAF's environmental friendliness is purchase the accompanying certification.

That's how you can simplify distribution and speed up scaling.

It has been estimated by the International Air Transport Association (Iata) that SAF might contribute somewhere around 65% towards the reduction in emissions required by the aviation industry to attain the 2050 target.

However, a substantial increase in output would be needed to satisfy consumer demand. With widespread legislative support, biofuels becoming competitive with fossil kerosene, and less credible offsets, the aviation body anticipates the greatest acceleration of production in the 2030s.

To yet, SAF has only been able to deliver less than 0.1% of the demand for jet fuel, and airlines interested in switching to them are experiencing shortages 

Jetnet iQ director Rolland Vincent remarked, "The airlines are doing quite well, and they are going to grab a lot of the SAF, so the sooner we move, the better."

Wizz Air, a budget airline based in Hungary, and OMV, an Austrian energy business, struck a preliminary agreement this month for the supply of SAF from 2019 through 2030.

Through this agreement, Wizz Air can purchase up to 185,000 metric tonnes of SAF from OMV.

As part of its sustainability efforts, Etihad Cargo provides its partners and customers with the SAF book-and-claim system for environmentally friendly cargo transportation.

Last month, DSV Global Transport and Logistics was able to offset carbon emissions and mitigate non-carbon climate consequences thanks to the assistance of the cargo arm of Abu Dhabi's flagship airline. DSV is Etihad Cargo's first business partner to offset the carbon footprint of its shipments through the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel.